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By P Lamberg, M Lyyr, S Heimala, J Liipo

Since the introduction of froth flotation for industrial practice, the process has long been developed and improved by making cultivated guesses or by using trial and error methods to a varying degree. Fresh possibilities have emerged after development of new surface sensitive analysing methods and in situ electrochemical methods. Having had the possibility to combine different findings between science and everyday plant practice, Outokumpu has been able to develop a catch-all procedure to manage a flotation process taking into account the specific requirements set by different minerals in a slurry. A number of these procedures are available and offered globally to clients as part of a Plant Audit service. The Outokumpu Plant Process Audit (Process ef-X) concept comprises of mineralogical determinations from process samples and plant data analysis together with electrochemical process measurements using mineral electrodes. Automatic control loop analysis can also be included. The objective is to combine the results for a basis of flotation process improvement. Since this methodology has earlier been an in-house practice, it follows that the results are also reflected in the development and design of the OutokumpuÆs processing equipment. An increasing number of ores have a very intimate fine-grained texture and it may be physically impossible to combine high grade with acceptable recovery by a flotation process alone. For such cases, combinations of different hydrometallurgical û mineral separation û pyrometallurgical processes are available. Mineral specific information and chemical expertise of flotation technology can be utilised in development of other processes, as well.

Jan 1, 2005

In order to maintain an accurate survey underground, it is first necessary to connect all shafts used for the transferring of the survey to the levels below by a precise surface survey.This has been achieved at Mount Isa by a careful triangulation survey with stations adjacent to those shafts most suitably located for transferring the survey below.The precedure used is described herein.The Weisbach triangle commonly used is obtained by reading to swingirig wires, the theodolite being placed in line with them as nearly as is possible. The surveyor at the surface places the wires in the shaft as far apart as the size of the shaft will permit, with sufficient space between the wires and walls to ensure their swinging freely. The far wire is fixed in position, while the near one is movable by means of fine adjusting screws to facilitate its being brought into line with the fixed wire and the theodolite. When this is done the surveyor at the lower level is advised by pre-arranged signals and the survey can then commence.The surface portion of the survey is simple; all that is necessary being to read the angle from the backsight to the wires, measure their distance from the theodolite, and keep a check on them throughout the survey to make sure that no movement takes place.The lower portion of the survey is more difficult, the surveyor first qf all having to place his theodolite as nearly as possible in line with the wires.

Jan 1, 1953

By A Markham

Stream diversions are a common feature of mine sites worldwide. From an operational perspective, a fundamental requirement of a stream diversion is that it should convey water flows between two points in a safe, controlled and predictable manner. On the other hand, rivers and waterways are naturally dynamic systems, and many of their natural values are achieved through their ability to alter their forms and processes over time in response to flow events - often in a potentially unsafe, uncontrolled and unpredictable manner. In order to ensure that diverted river reaches achieve the dual objectives of short-term operational stability and longer term physical equilibrium with surrounding landscapes, alteration of form and process must somehow be understood and incorporated into the design process. However, performance targets for waterways are not always easy to define and assessing what is good and bad in such variable systems can be difficult. This paper discusses the role of the stream diversion from the operational, environmental and regulatory/relinquishment perspectives, and how stream diversions must achieve physical stability in the short-term, but dynamic equilibrium in the long-term.CITATION:Markham, A, 2012. Mine site stream diversions - A balance of competing objectives, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 215-218 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 10, 2012

By Kershaw M. G

At the Risdon plant of the Electrolytic Zinc Company of Australasia Limited, impurities toxic to the electrolytic production of zinc metal, notably arsenic and antimony, have traditionally been coprecipitated when precipitating iron as ferric hydroxide. With the development of a new lead/zinc mine at Elura, New South Wales, it was anticipated that the concentration of impurities, particularly arsenic, in the zinc sulphide concentrates treated at Risdon would increase. This suggested that an increase in the capacity of the iron purification step in the Risdon plant would be required to cope with the higher input of these impurities.Laboratory investigations showed that the additional capacity would be achieved, either by a large increase in the amount of iron used as the "collector" in the process, or by a two-stage process. The latter approach was preferred as a increase in the amount of iron precipitated would lead to much higher operating costs and overloading of the existing equipment.In the two stage procedure, acidic iron bearing solution is added to solution feeding the first stage and most of the arsenic removed from solution when iron is precipitated from solution by neutralisation with limestone. Mter separation of the precipitated solids, acidic iron bearing solution is added to the solution, and remaining arsenic removed almost completely following neutralisation by limestone.This paper describes the laboratory and pilot plant results and the plant modifications required. Abrief account is also given of the operator training and acceptance in the use of the digital control facilities installed in the new plant.The new plant is working well and good solution purity is being maintained despite a substantial increase in the concentration of impurities in the raw materials.

Jan 1, 1990

By L E. Setiawan

The mining and milling groups at Batu Hijau are tasked with increasing SAG mill throughput by approximately ten per cent. Avenues used for this process are blasting and crushing optimisation, ore blending and predicting SAG mill throughput in relation to the geological model. This is in line with traditional æMine to MillÆ studies. At Batu Hijau, mill and mine sequencing cannot readily be configured to perform the surveys traditionally required by a æMine to MillÆ study while meeting the daily production target of 140 000 tonnes per day and processing from varying ore types in one pit. A program called BOCCOST (blasting optimisation crushing conveying optimising SAG throughput) has been implemented to capture approximately 200 variables from blasting, mining and milling operations and assign them to a common point in space in the geological model in real time. Interpretive analysis of data from BOCCOST is used to model relationships between the 200 variables to determine which and how these factors affect SAG throughput. Once these relationships are determined, the blasting, ore blending and crushing process can be optimised to generate a product that maximises mill throughput. The relationships modelled from BOCCOST are also used to generate a SAG mill throughput estimator, which can be coded into the production block model. The block model can be reconciled with the geological block model for correlation by geological domain. Once this relationship is established, SAG mill throughput domains can then be established for predicting SAG mill throughput. This SAG mill throughput estimator is then used in conjunction with revenue calculations to determine an ore cut-off, which combines these two elements to maximise metal production.

Jan 1, 2002

In south-eastern King Island, sediments and lavas of possible Upper Proterozoic to Lower Cambrian age have been intruded by Lower Carboniferous granitic rocks.Within the contact aureole of the Bold Head adamellite north of Grassy the sediments and lavas have been metamorphosed to hornblende hornfels facies grade. The thermal gradient within the contact aureole was small, as the hornfelses exhibit no mineral zoning over a distance of 700 ft from the adamellite.Skarns occur both within the adamellite near its contact with the country rocks, and within the country rocks as partial replacements of three dolomitic limestone horizons. The latter type, the exoskarns, commonly have an andradite-salite mineralogy and carry economic concentrations of scheelite. These resulted from the replacement of carbonate beds due to both diffusion and infiltration metasomatism. Silica, tungsten, minor sulphides, and water were introduced from the adamellite, while aluminium and iron diffused from the enclosing pelitic sediments. Calcium released during marble replacement countered the loss of iron and aluminium in the pelitic hornfelses transforming them to diopside-rich rocks.Endoskarns within the adamellite are the result of two way diffusion across the contact; calcium, aluminium, and iron diffused from sediment to adamellite as silica, potassium, sodium, and water diffused from adamellite to the sediments. From estimates of the lithostatic pressure and mole fraction of CO2, the mineral assemblages of the hornfelses imply that the temperature of metamorphism lay between 530° and 710°C. This temperature range is in good agreement with minimum temperatures, between 610° and 710°C, for the recrystallization of the marbles of the contact aureole, calculated from the determinations of the solid solution of the magnesite molecule in calcite.

Jan 1, 1971

By J R. Hernandez-Aguilar, C O. Go, C Acuna

The gas dispersion properties that are the subjects of this communication include three measured parameters, gas superficial velocity (gas rate), gas holdup and bubble size, plus derived parameter, bubble surface area flux. Over the past ten years sensors to measure these parameters have been introduced and those originating from McGill University are briefly described. The sensors have seen extensive use in plant campaigns and experiences on four cell types at three sites are discussed. The impact of frother in controlling bubble size by retarding coalescence is illustrated, introducing the need to understand chemistry/machine interactions in interpreting gas dispersion results. An increase in Sauter mean bubble size (D32) with superficial gas velocity (gas rate, Jg) was found, which followed the empirical relationship where Do ~ 0.5 - 0.6 mm and C and n are fitted parameters dependent on the system (machine and chemistry). Following this trend in Db - Jg, consistent bubble surface area flux (Sb) - Jg trends are also observed. The trend in Sauter mean versus number mean (D10) is used to help interpret the nature of the distribution; as the means approach numerically, the distribution is narrowing. Analysing gas holdup versus gas rate shows both a dependence on location in the cell as well as cell position in a bank, factors which must be accounted for when comparing data from different plants and circuits. The instrumentation and methodologies being developed are presenting new opportunities for incorporating cell hydrodynamics into metallurgical diagnostics. A case study at one plant serves as illustration.

Jan 1, 2005

By Eupene GS

The valuation of exploration properties which contain no identified resources or reserves is the most subjective of all valuation tasks likely to be carried out by a geologist. The geoscience rating method proposed by Kilburn (1990) recognises this inherent subjectivity but also attempts to apply some discipline to the valuation process. Some other methods used for valuations of this type clearly lack discipline and are open to misuse and abuse. The Kilburn method essentially requires the practitioner to justify all aspects of the valuation process. The valuer must specify and, more importantly, quantify aspects which enhance or downgrade the intrinsic value of each property. The intrinsic value is called the ""base acquisition cost"" (BAC) and it represents the average cost to identify, apply for and retain a base unit of area of title. The BAC and base unit of area both vary with different types of exploration and mining title but remain constant for similar types of titles in the same mineral tenure regime. In the Kilburn Method the enhancement/ downgrading factors are determined by the geotechnical prospectivity (Kilburn Method) within the title. A modified version of the Kilburn Method presented here (""Modified Kilburn Method"") also focuses attention on other real variables besides the geotechnical attributes which influence valuations of this type, viz., competition for tenure and activity in the markets in which the exploration properties are being traded. The most active such market at present is the stock market. By utilising uniform BACs and base units of area (for similar titles) for all exploration properties (in practice in Australia this is only possible within a particular State or Territory), the method exposes the valuer's opinions of each of these variables to the scrutiny of the investor. The investor (or his professional adviser) is afforded the opportunity to directly compare valuations on different properties by different practitioners and can assess how the final valuation is weighted in respect of geotechnical prospectivity, competition for tenure, and stock/financial market sentiment. No other method currently employed in Australia to value mineral exploration properties affords the investor this `luxury', which some may argue is their right.

Jan 1, 1994

By G Milligan

This paper describes how water is being planned, managed and used in Queensland as both a precious natural resource, vital for healthy ecosystems, and as a valuable tradeable commodity, necessary to secure economic prosperity. Queensland has been progressively implementing a planned package of water industry improvements agreed by the Council of Australia Governments in 1994. The Water Act 2000 provides the legislative basis for implementing the COAG water reform framework in Queensland and sets out statutory water planning processes. A Water Resource Plan (WRP) is a strategic document that specifies water sharing and environmental flow outcomes across a whole catchment over a period of up to ten years. A Resource Operations Plan (ROP) sets out the details of implementing a WRP, including environmental flow rules, establishment of tradeable water allocations that are separate from land, rules for water trading, rules for operating water infrastructure, arrangements for the release of any unallocated water identified in the WRP, and requirements for monitoring and reporting. Water Resource Planning and Resource Operations Planning are progressing in priority catchments and aquifers across the State. Ways to obtain a water entitlement now depend on whether a WRP and/or a ROP exist in a particular catchment. Water trading provides for the buying and selling of water entitlements on a permanent basis where permitted under a ROP. Details of tradeable water allocations are securely registered on the Water Allocations Register, which is similar to a land titles register. Leasing and temporary transfers of water entitlements are also possible. Water brokers are emerging to facilitate water trading which aims to improve water use efficiency and move water to higher value uses. Queensland is leading the way in the implementation of the COAG water reform framework and the pursuit of sustainable water resource management. The StateÆs progress in this regard is increasing certainty for water users, while ensuring that considerations of equity amongst existing and future users and amongst various uses, as well as considerations of ecological sustainability and the wider community, are all taken into account. The mining sector stands to benefit substantially from these new approaches to planning, managing and using this precious resource.

Jan 1, 2003

By C V. Putnis, T Geisler, A Putnis

In nature, ilmenite (FeTiO3) undergoes weathering through oxidation and removal of Fe to form an apparently continuous series of compositions from ilmenite to pseudorutile (ideally Fe2Ti3O9), and with further weathering, to leucoxene. To determine the mechanism of acid-leaching of ilmenite to ultimately form rutile, we have carried out an experimental study of ilmenite alteration in autoclaves at 150¦C in HCl solutions. Resulting products were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy. In some experiments the solution was initially enriched in 18O and the distribution of the isotope in the alteration products mapped from the peak shift in the Raman spectra. The results indicate that the alteration may proceed in two stages, each with a sharp interface between the parent phase and the product. The alteration begins at the original ilmenite crystal surface and along cracks through which the fluid can migrate. The first alteration product is pseudorutile û no phases intermediate between ilmenite and pseudorutile were detected. The textural relationship between ilmenite and pseudorutile suggests a coupled dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism rather than a solid state continuous oxidation and Fe diffusion mechanism. The second stage involves a further dissolution-reprecipitation step to form rutile. Raman spectroscopy shows that the 18O is incorporated in the rutile during the recrystallisation. Throughout the alteration process the original morphology of the ilmenite is preserved although the product is highly porous. The rutile inherits crystallographic information from the parent ilmenite, resulting in a triply-twinned rutile microstructure.

Jan 1, 2008

By P F. Knights

Mining companies are striving to achieve new levels of operational maturity and drive process improvement across the organisation in the face of unprecedented demand and limited supply of experienced human resources. Advanced analytics techniques can help overcome these fundamental challenges by applying data techniques not previously applied in mining. Today, decisions are usually locally optimised but do not achieve optimum capability for the value chain. Although more information is collected then ever before, it is difficult to link many sources of data together in the same place in real-time, for example plant history, maintenance, mine planning, logistics and engineering data. Consequently complex analysis of data is time consuming and requires specialist skills and knowledge, and is often neglected in the decision-making process. In the future, analytics will close the loop between analysing data and taking action. Analytics will become embedded in the business and routinely applied to improve decision making across the organisation, from senior management to operations and maintenance workers, but will not require specialist skills or be time consuming to analyse data. As analytics becomes embedded in the business process, decisions are supported by data (not on gut feel), and critically, data from many sources are integrated in real-time to improve the quality of decisions. Ultimately, predictive tools will help suggest, or even in some cases automate, courses of action. The main opportunities for analytics exist where the enterprise requires supporting technology to enable it to continue to evolve to higher level of maturity. This will be in the areas of asset management, rapid reconciliation and adaptive planning, and the inbound and outbound supply chains. Advanced analytics are also a key enabler for increasing the effectiveness and realising the true value of Remote Operations Centres to safely and efficiently support operations in remote locations with smaller workforces.

Jan 1, 2008

By D Macklin, R Hammond, T G. Blenkinsop

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. Base metal sulfides at the Currawong volcanic-hosted massive sulfide deposit in the Lachlan fold belt of Victoria, south-east Australia, were formed in the late Silurian, but D2 deformation of the deposit in the Devonian Bindian orogeny was responsible for structural repetition that created the resource. The primary sulfide lenses were stacked by reverse-sense shear zones within a volcano-sedimentary sequence dominated by dacitic intrusions and turbidites. Shear zones were localised along lithological contacts, including the margins of the sulfide lenses. The competent dacitic intrusions did not fold during D2; folding was restricted to the packages of metasedimentary rocks. Overturning occurs within, but not between, the metasedimentary packages. The overall geometry of the deposit is that of a duplex, but the detailed shape does not conform to idealised duplex types, probably because of post-D2 deformation. A significant complicating factor for understanding the deposit, and for resource evaluation, is the dramatic variation in deposit geometry along strike, which may also be due to post-D2 deformation. The present day configuration of the deposit results from constructive thrust repetition of what may have been a single ore lens and destructive along-strike disruption controlled by rheology.CITATION:Blenkinsop, T G, Macklin, D and Hammond, R, 2015. Rheological controls on the geometry of the Currawong volcanic-hosted massive sulfide deposit, Lachlan fold belt, Victoria, south-east Australia, in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 469–474 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By N Weatherstone

A consistent and reliable international approach to public reporting of a mining companyÆs main assets, its Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, has become of increasing importance in recent years with the rapid globalisation of the mining industry. Through the efforts of the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO), a committee representing national resource/reserve reporting committees in Australia, South Africa, UK/Ireland/Western Europe, Canada, USA and Chile, the reporting standards in most æwesternÆ countries use almost identical resource and reserve definitions and are generally around 90 - 95 per cent compatible. New codes based on the CRIRSCO model are being developed or considered in other countries, including Peru and the Philippines. This unified approach has provided the mining industry, regulators and investors with a common framework to report and interpret mineral resource and reserve estimates, thereby facilitating funding to the mining industry through improved investor understanding and confidence. The common reporting standards are reflected in the CRIRSCO International Template, available on CRIRSCOÆs web site, a document that is kept æliveÆ by reflecting the best of the most recently published CRIRSCO-type national standards. In a significant exception to this unified industry approach, the USA Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires adherence to its own standard, only partly compatible with CRIRSCO-type standards, with adverse and costly implications for companies listed in the USA. A major industry submission was presented to SEC in April 2005 which, if accepted, would bring about considerable compatibility of CRIRSCO and SEC standards. The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) has, since 1992, been developing its Framework Classification (UNFC) as a single global system for harmonising all existing national and international resource/reserve reporting systems, covering both government and industry requirements and both the hydrocarbon and solid minerals sectors. While few mining companies report their resources and reserves using the UNFC, the system is accepted or is being examined as a basis for reporting by some governments, including those of Russia, China and India. The UN-ECE agreed in 1999 to incorporate CRIRSCO definitions into the UNFC for those categories of resources and reserves used for market-related reporting, but a more recent edition of the UNFC removed or changed the definitions, requiring re-engagement by CRIRSCO to ensure compatibility. Since 2005, CRIRSCO and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) have been involved in discussions with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), which plans to develop a new Accounting Standard for the Extractive Industries as part of its International Financial Reporting Standards. At the request of the IASB, CRIRSCO and SPE have been examining any potential for convergence of resource/reserve definitions between the mining and hydrocarbon industries. Each of these systems is described in this paper and high level comparisons made.

Jan 1, 2006

By A Galley, M Plouffe, T Hynes

Canadian mining research has recently been reinvigorated through a pan-Canadian research strategy driven by the industry, the research community and government departments. These organisations have come together to form the Canada Mining Innovation Council, whose role is to focus and increase mining research in the country. One of the major themes of the organisation is environment; including major research initiatives on energy, tailings and environmental stewardship. Other major initiatives on exploration, mineral extraction and mineral processing will also consider environmental benefits in the research projects they undertake. All the initiatives have their priorities determined principally by the mining and exploration companies, whose first obligation is to determine the long-term research priorities of the industry as a whole, rather than for their individual companies. Only after industry consensus on priorities does the research community become engaged in the implementation of specific projects to address those identified priorities. A goal of the program is to effectively create a virtual mining research laboratory, by engaging all the major research centres in the country. Membership to date includes most of the major mining companies operating in Canada and almost all of the mining-related universities. Other members include federal, provincial and territorial governments, consulting and service companies and manufacturers.CITATION:Hynes, T, Plouffe, M and Galley, A, 2012. A new approach to mining research in Canada, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 333-338 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 10, 2012

The United StatesÆ reporting standard for the mining industry for securities purposes is contained in the Security and Exchange CommissionÆs Industry Guide 7. It defines proven and probable Reserves using its own definitions, and prohibits the disclosure of quantitative estimates, for all mineralisation other than those two Reserve categories (though disclosure of Measured and Indicated Resources as quantitative mineralised material estimates is now informally allowed). Similarly, it restricts disclosure of value estimates to Reserves only, which SEC policy generally requires to be on an historic cost accounting basis. The SEC does not maintain a formal Competent or Qualified Person policy. In March 1999, the US-based Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) released an update of its 1991 guidelines for definitions to be used in reporting of Mineral Resources, Reserves and Exploration Information, closely abiding by the 1997 CMMI recommendations. However, without SEC recognition, reporting under the SME and CMMI definitions is effectively barred for US companies. The SEC intends to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). This will occur within just a few years, when the convergence project for development of the IFRS has reached a satisfactory point. The US is the largest financial supporter and participator in IASB. The Extractive Industries Standard of the IFRS will likely terminate Industry Guide 7. However, the effect of this international replacement will likely be equally restrictive. This could possibly neutralise the benefit of a CMMI-based global reporting standard. SME, the US society encompassing the widest range of mining industry professionals, does not have a Code of Ethics. It has no mechanism for requiring members to abide by a professional standard. SME is presently looking into possible solutions for this deficiency. US-based professional societies that do have a binding Code of Ethics, generally cater to a single profession, and are not just mining industry related. The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and the American Institute of Minerals Appraisers (AIMA) are examples. The SME is considering creating a subsidiary body with an enforceable Code of Ethics. To support a CMMI-based global reporting standard, competent persons will need to work across international borders. A standardised mechanism for qualifying and registering competent persons will be needed. National rules and laws must allow competent persons to easily enter countries to perform their work. State issued licenses are increasingly required for much of the work performed in the US mining industry by engineers, geologists and minerals appraisers (valuers). Such licenses are not required by the SEC for Reserve reporting in the US, may not be required for valuation of mineral properties under certain circumstances, and except for real property valuer licenses, they generally do not have a binding code of conduct. However, state licensing of professionals forms a substantial and increasing barrier to interstate trade in professional services, and can be a prohibitive barrier to professionals from outside the US. Any rationalisation of this confusing patchwork of regulations confronting US minerals industry practitioners will only occur as part of larger, national change, hopefully aimed at compliance with international standards and protocols. The US does not have a valuation standard aimed specifically at the mining industry. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, the national valuation standards, often must be applied to mineral property valuation, but contains no specific instructions for minerals. The author has campaigned against development of minerals valuation standards proposed by US minerals institutes. Instead he encourages the mining industry worldwide to place its support behind the initiative of the International Valuation Standards Committee (IVSC) to include an extractive industries section in its International Valuation Standards (IVS). This should provide a global set of valuation standards for the mining and petroleum industry within two years. This addition to IVS will provide essential valuation standards reference support for the extractive industries financial reporting standard of the International Accounting Standards Board. The IVS has achieved a high level of acceptance in the developed and lesser developed countries of the world. It provides a comprehensive framework of Generally Accepted Valuation Principles for the valuation profession internationally, for valuation of all property or asset types. IVSC is effectively a sister organisation to IASB. The IASBÆs International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), previously known as the International Accounting Standards (IAS), reference and quote IVS in some instructions for determination of fair value. IVSC is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) member of the United Nations and maintains liaison with many important international economic, accounting and financial agencies, such as the OECD, IMF and WTO.

Jan 1, 2002

By DJ McKEE

Process control emerged in the mid-1960s as a new and exciting method of improving the performance of mineral processing operations. The early Australian developments, principally in Broken Hill and Mount Isa, were based on pioneering work in instrumentation, the availability of small digital computers and a particularly effective partnership between companies with technological foresight and University and CSIRO research groups. Initial progress was rapid and within ten years many plants were committed to process control. Process monitoring is now routine and most circuits have some level of control. However, few plants have comprehensive optimising control systems as the difficulty of developing control strategies which can cope with the wide variety of conditions encountered in most mineral plants has been fully appreciated. This paper summarises past experience and assesses the degree of application of different forms of process control in metallurgical plants. Barriers to the effective utilisation of opt rising control are identified and some suggestions for advancing the application of control are made.

Jan 1, 1992

This paper discusses the requirements for a successful simulation modelling study, and the steps involved in the modelling process. Advantages and disadvantages of simulation are described, and a case study highlights how not to go about it. Two other case studies, for a decline truck haulage and a block caving production operation, are used to illustrate the types of variables whose impact may be investigated. Typical results are presented to indicate the sorts of presentation styles the author has found useful for conveying study results to project sponsors. Standard spreadsheet charting techniques can be very useful in this respect, but the possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the study team.

Jan 1, 2000

It is always difficult to sum up an open forum adequately and instantaneously, so, with the privilege of hindsight, and also with some time to reflect, I am exercising the Chairman's prerogative to put together my view of the overall conclusions. Hopefully, these may provide a focus for each Institute to formulate its own programme with respect to mineral industry education. First, in answer to the question, "Should there be Schools of Mines?", there was a very clear 'yes'. However, I reiterate what I said in the introduction to this forum, specific professional education for the mineral industry exists only because the mineral industry sees a need and wants it. If the mineral industry should decide that it does not need professionals with specific mineral industry training, then such training will cease to exist. As alluded by Dr Hackett, if such training ceases to exist, one must then question the need for Institutes of Mining and Metallurgy. Now, there's some food for thought! Specialist schools of mines (metallurgy and geology) can only exist in an environment of genuine interaction with, and support by, industry. For their part, schools of mines, used here in a generic sense, require leadership that is strong but responsive to industry needs. It is the leader that puts his stamp on a school, and, to a large extent, determines whether that school is 'good' or only 'mediocre'.

Jan 1, 1986

A very wide range of technologies are utilised in the mining and processing of ores and a great deal of effort is expended in the development of ænew technologiesÆ to improve mining performance and economics. Traditionally, technology and people have been treated as separate aspects of an operation, when in fact they are inextricably linked. The successful implementation of new technologies is entirely dependent upon the actions, enthusiasm and skills of people, both as individuals and working in groups. This paper discusses the role of technology in mining and how new technologies are implemented by the industry. The paper argues that existing technologies have not been fully or adequately utilised and that effort should be re-focussed on the implementation of technologies that have been taken for granted for many years. The need for greater emphasis to be placed on the management of the human-technology interface is discussed.

Jan 1, 1998

The Beverley uranium mine û now in production in the remote north of South Australia at1000 tonnes per annum û was established to meet a projected, but little-recognised shortfallin primary supply of uranium for the nuclear industry in the early part of the 21 st century. Inthe context of AustraliaÆs lack of bi-partisan support for uranium mining and the nuclearindustry, a four to five year window of opportunity existed from 1996 to establish the mine.During this period, Beverley achieved a number of firsts including: the first ISL mine inAustralia; the largest ISL mine in the world and the first to produce more than 500 tonnes ofuranium in its first year; the first to be established under a new Native Title regime in SouthAustralia; and the first to be established under a revised South Australian Mining Act.Beverley was brought into production against the background of: hostile opposition fromanti-nuclear activists; a suspicious and at-times hostile media; a regulatory and politicalcommunity that was unfamiliar with ISL mining; commercially unsophisticated Aboriginalgroups; an inexperienced engineering industry; and the vagaries of development in a remote,semi-arid location with neither population nor infrastructure. The lessons that can be learnedfrom Beverley showed that û like much in life û flexibility and timing are crucial.

Jan 1, 2002